12-14-2014
"The Gift of God's Riches"
2 Corinthians 8.9

Message-   The Gift of God’s Riches Scripture-  2 Corinthians 8. 9 I.  The Bible Tells Us of God’s  ____:  “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ…” A.  Paul is encouraging the grace of the Corinthians towards the poor of _________ B.  Paul is reminding them of grace received…so that they would in-turn be gracious. II.  Though He Was __________ A.  ________ was rich because He was God B.  Scripture ref’s: · John 1. 1-2- In the beginning was the Word…and the Word was with _____, and was God.  He was in the beginning with God.”  · Psalm 50.10…He owns the cattle on a thousand hills… · Phil. 5. 19-  My God shall supply all of your needs according to His _______” III.  For Your Sakes He Became _______ A.  He became ________…flesh & blood -  Philippians 2. 5-8  B.  He became poor- not just in a human sense, but in earthly sense C.  Jesus became poor in _______ sense of the word….why? IV.  That You Through His Poverty Might Become _______ A.  ______ rich in terms of things: cars, houses, boats B.  Jesus became poor that we might receive the “riches of God.” C.  Jesus offers the riches of God’s presence now, and Eternal Life that nothing can take away when the _________ of this life is over. V.  What should we do? How should we live?   A.  Realize your ________ to Jesus B.  Look at others through Jesus’ ______ (they are also loved & worth dying for) C.  We need to ____ gracious towards others, as God has been to us.

12-7-2014
"The Good and Perfect Gift"
James 1. 2-18

THE GOOD AND PERFECT GIFT JAMES 1. 2-18 I.  CHRISTMAS HAS AN IMPERFECT SIDE A.  Tedious shopping, and “crazy people” B.  Many gifts are unneeded, unsafe, and un__________ II.  JAMES ADDRESSES SOME OF THE TRIALS AND IMPERFECTIONS OF LIFE A.  gk peirasmos = testing vs. 2-12;  = temptations to do evi vs. 13-18 B.  Polysemy - multiple _____________ of same word C.  James explains that trials & temptations to do evil come from ___________ places…They are not all from God III.  LIFE’S IMPERFECTIONS (TRIALS & TEMPTATIONS) MAY CAUSE US TO BLAME GOD FOR THEM, AND __________  OUR OWN PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY A. Tendency to blame God for the “testing” and the “temptations” B.  ______ is not the source of “temptations” C.  The source of our temptations is _______ IV.  JAMES REMINDS US THAT GOD GIVES “GOOD GIFTS” A.  HE should receive the ________ & worship B.  What good and perfect gifts has He given? · His Son- greatest gift ever given was Jesus Christ\ · Eternal Life- · _______________ Love · Forgiveness & ______________…made new · ___________ to overcome…Philippians 4.13 · Peace- this is what the angels sang of.  “Peace on earth…” V.  WHAT SHOULD WE DO? A.  James says: “Count it pure _____ when you face trials” B.  Remember the difference between a test of your faith, and a temptation to do evil (both are not from God) C.  Don’t Forget to _________ God- who is the GIVER D.  ________ your Blessings- especially the BIG ONES

11-30-2014
"The Gift of Love"
John 3. 16-18

The Gift of Love John 3. 16 -18     1.     God’s Giving _________: a)     People often show their love by giving b)    God loved us so much, and wanted a relationship with us, and so he gave us a gift- His ________. c)     God’s gift was from His _______ & priceless 2.     God’s Pursuing Love: Seen throughout the Bible a)     Throughout the Bible God’s Unending Love is seen in his desire to build His people and in His willingness to Redeem and _______ b)    We see in King David, an example of God’s loving desire to have a relationship with a man who consistently sought God’s heart, and sought to trust in God…God wants to have that relationship w/ us                                        3.     What Did God Give? a)     God gave- His Only ____________ Son… b)    Not only “Forgotten” Son c)     Not just a baby- not just a son- but of __________.                   4.     God demonstrated His Love and desire to                                       have a relationship with us by “coming to                                              _______” in form of a person              a)     Showed His love, by taking on himself the punish                            ment for our sin.  b)    we must be perfect- only way is to be ________ per         fect c)     God loves to _________ and restore people       5.     A REASONABLE RESPONSE TO GOD’S                          RELENTLESS LOVE:              a)     _________ it b)    How Can We Do That?  c)     Demonstrate your Love and Surrender to Jesus by Giving to Others: c)     Demonstrate your Love and Surrender to Jesus by _______ Others

11-23-2014
"God Hunting"
2 Kings 6. 8-17

“GOD HUNTING:”  Five Ways You May See God 1.     An Obvious Answer to ________________ 2.     Unexpected _____________  of God’s Care 3.     Unusual ____________  or Coincidence 4.     Help to Do God’s Work in the World 5.     God’s Peace & Strength in trials and weaknesses.

11-16-2014
"Who Is My Neighbor?"
Luke 10:  25-37

11-9-2014
"Is Jesus Enough?"
John 6:  60-69

IS JESUS ENOUGH? John 6. 60-69   I.         THE DEFECTION IN GALILEE                  a.     Who were these __________?              b.     these are not among the _________.              c.      There are many persons who profess to be Christ’s                               disciples for a time and afterwards fall away from their                           profession. II.     JESUS’ TOUCHING APPEAL TO THE TWELVE              a.     Many…turned back and no longer walked   with Him              b.     Jesus holds the _______ open for the chosen                                 twelve to follow                c.      Their defection would have been worse                                             disappointment              d.     Our Lord seeks a small company of  _______                                  disciples III.   PETER’S PROMPT AND FERVENT ANSWER:              a.     The answer is characteristic of Peter’s                                                _________ nature              b.     His answer shows a deep __________ and                                      commitment IV.  ONE OF YOU IS A _______-   Judas              a.     Made the promises…must have kept walking with                           Jesus              b.     To Jesus - being a disciple means more than “being                           _______,” real followers will remain faithful to the                           end V.       So, WHICH IS IT FOR YOU?              a.     Don’t just give the pat answer that you think people                           should give, but _________ your life              b.     Have you been denying yourself and putting Jesus                           1st              c.      Or do you offer _________ for why you have not                           been walking with Him?

11-2-2014
Guest Speaker - Rev. Jim Calhoun

10-26-2014
"Following Jesus or Following the Rules"
Matthew 23. 13-26

FOLLOWING JESUS OR FOLLOWING THE RULES? Scripture-  Matthew 23. 13-26 I.  THE SPIRITUAL “FAN CLUB” A.  Sanhedrin- ______ men B.  They were _____  of God…not followers II.  John 8- The woman caught in adultery. A.  Leaders wanted to trap Jesus and to prove by his refusal to condemn her that He didn’t follow the laws of God B.  So He couldn’t be from God…COULDN’T BE THE MESSIAH! C.  If we examine our hearts and actions, would we be fans, or followers? III.  So How Can You Diagnose if you are a Fan Rather Than a Follower? (What are some signs). A.  Fans choose rules over relationships B.  Fans choose laws over love C.  Fans Choose Guilt over grace IV.  FANS MISS WHAT REALLY MATTERS: A.  It is important that you “know Jesus.”  B.  There may be bigger churches and much better preachers & teachers.  But don’t miss the main point-  YOU NEED TO KNOW JESUS! V.  It is an eternal matter that you are “NOT A FAN…BUT A FOLLOWER OF JESUS.” A.  A FOLLOWER knows Jesus B.  A FOLLOWER shows Jesus

10-19-2014
Guest Speaker, Mr. Brian Johnson
"In the Beginning God Created"
Genesis 1.1

In the beginning God created the Heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed  Hebrews 11:3 - By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. 1.  How does evolution vs. creation influence our world view A.  Evolution                                      We are a result of time and random chance                                      We are constantly changing                                      We are our own ultimate authority B.  Creation                                      God intentionally created us the way we are                                      God is our ultimate authority 2.  God loves us A.  He created us in His image B.  We messed up C.  He provided a plan for salvation                                      Roman 5:18-19  Resources on the Web 1.  Web Resources A.  www.icr.org B.  answersingenesis.org 2.  The age of the earth A.  http://www.icr.org/article/evidence-for-young-world/ B.  https://answersingenesis.org/evidence-for-creation/the-10-best-evidences-from-science-that-confirm-a-young-earth/ 3.  Worldwide flood A.  https://answersingenesis.org/the-flood/global/worldwide-flood-evidence/ B.  http://www.icr.org/article/520/

10-12-2014
"The Comfortable Cross"
1 Corinthians 1. 18-25

THE COMFORTABLE CROSS 1 CORINTHIANS 1. 18-25 I.  WE LOVE COMFORT BUT THERE’S A ______ IN LOVING COMFORT TOO MUCH: A.  Our ______ follows suit B.  Luke 9. 23, says there is a cost to being a follower. II.  HOW DOES THE WORLD VIEW THE _______ & CHRISTIANITY? A.  1 Corinthians 1- Paul talks about how the world sees the cross. 1.  _____________- ultimate symbol of weakness 2.  Stumbling block for Jews    B.  Even, in our day, champions are not _______…they do not show weakness. III.  GOD IS NOT LIKE WHAT THE WORLD MIGHT _____________   A.  He uses what the world says is foolishness- and turns it into the _______ of salvation B.  Jews demand miraculous signs & Greeks look for wisdom…but we preach Christ crucified C.  What seems like the ultimate moment of God’s weakness was in reality the ultimate moment of God’s ___________ IV.  WHAT GOD DID FOR THE CROSS HE CAN DO FOR _______ A.  When you are ________ - you are exactly where you need to be for God to show His strength B.  Look at those in the Bible whom God chose to use. C.  God shows us that when we ________ we are strong, that’s when we are really weak. V.  WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ______ UP THE CROSS AND FOLLOW: “Bring it all, or I will send you packing” A.  _______ the cost – There will be a cross for you…if you follow B.  Make the Commitment- Decide to “take it up” or be a fan C.  ______ UP- foolishness…weakness…loss…fatigue…persistence VI.  WHAT ______ OF CROSS DOES GOD HAVE IN MIND FOR YOU? A.  Not a comfortable one… B.  But, then again, how else will you ever experience _______  __________?  VII.  GOD CAN DO FOR YOU WHAT HE DID FOR THE CROSS- _______  His power. A.  There’s a danger in loving comfort too much-   B.  We seek every way possible to ______ the foolishness, or suffering, or weakness, or lack of control that comes with any real cross.  C.  And in doing that, we miss-out on experiencing the power of God.